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Happy June 2014! This month the theme for posts will continue on as "Instrumental Music." To see all of those posts just select "Themes -->Instrumental Grooves" from the menu below the header. Enjoy and please tell a friend.

“In The Summertime” Performed by Mungo Jerry (1970)

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#1 UK, #3 USA

Mungo Jerry was formed in 1970 by British singer/guitarist/songwriter Ray Dorset. Rounding out the quartet were Mike Cole on upright bass; Paul King on guitar, kazoo, and jug; Joe Rush playing washboard; and Colin Earl at the keyboards.

“In The Summertime” was the group’s first single and first big hit out the gate and also turned out to be the song that they are most remembered for.

The group, always fronted by Dorset but with revolving membership, has continued to perform over the decades since 1970.

The jugband/ skiffle sound hooked me when I first heard this tune back in high school and I have loved it ever since. This is what feel good music is all about … don’t you agree. (But, I do not agree with the drinking and driving lyric in the tune)

“In The Summertime” Composed by Ray Dorset

In the summertime when the weather is high
You can stretch right up and touch the sky
When the weather’s fine
You got women, you got women on your mind
Have a drink, have a drive
Go out and see what you can find

If her daddy’s rich, take her out for a meal
If her daddy’s poor, just do what you feel
Speed along the lane
Do a turn or return the twenty-five
When the sun goes down
You can make it, make it good and really fine

We’re not bad people, we’re not dirty, we’re not mean
We love everybody, but we do as we please
When the weather’s fine
We go fishing or go swimming in the sea
We’re always happy
Life’s for living, yeah, that’s our philosophy

When the winter’s here, yeah, it’s party time
Bring your bottle, wear your bright clothes ’cause it will soon be summertime
And we’ll sing again
We’ll go driving or maybe we’ll settle down
If she’s rich, if she’s nice
Bring your friends and we’ll all go into town

In the summertime when the weather is high
You can chase right up and touch the sky
When the weather’s fine
You got women, you got women on your mind
Have a drink, have a drive
Go out and see what you can find

If her daddy’s rich, take her out for a meal
If her daddy’s poor, just do what you feel
Speed along the lane
Do a turn or return the twenty-five
When the sun goes down
You can make it, make it good and really fine

We’re not bad people, we’re not dirty, we’re not mean
We love everybody, but we do as we please
When the weather’s fine
We go fishing or go swimming in the sea
We’re always happy
Life’s for living, yeah, that’s our philosophy

I forgot all about “Hot Child in the City” Supa. Long time no hear so I’m off to hunt that one down.(LOL)
Hope you summer is going well. Have you had a vacation yet or are you just trying to maintain your cool in this heat wave?